Project Planner

The City of Santa Barbara’s Community Development Department is seeking a knowledgeable, motivated and proficient Project Planner in the Development and Environmental Review Section of the Planning Division.  The Project Planner classification is the highest level of professional planner and acts as a project manager for a variety of controversial and complex projects/programs that can involve significant policy considerations and substantial public controversy.

Under minimal supervision, this Project Planner position acts as lead staff on complex project review and planning studies requiring extensive policy analysis, and independently makes presentations and represents the City at Board, Commission, City Council and community interest group meetings. Assignments can include policy and ordinance amendments; development of implementation programs; preparation of annual reports; complex plans examination; review of development applications; advanced report preparation; and other complex and controversial special studies. This position also coordinates, delegates, and reviews the work of project team members and professional consultants and other planners on complex projects or special studies; explains regulations and procedures; researches information; interprets data; and works with other City Departments and agencies as a representative of the Planning Division.

Specific Duties for the Development and Environmental Review Section Project Planner:

• Reviews development applications requiring extensive policy analysis for conformance with design, environmental, social or legal requirements.
• Independently makes presentations and represents the City at Board, Commission, City Council and community interest group meetings.
• This position may also coordinate and review the work of project team members, professional consultants, and other planners on complex projects or special studies; and works with other City Departments and agencies as primary representative of the Planning Division.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of municipal planning, zoning, environmental protection, coastal planning, and growth management issues.
• Local, State, and Federal laws, and regulations pertaining to municipal planning and their practical application to local situations.
• Principles of urban design and ramifications of environmental, legal, social and economic concerns involved in policy development and project review.
• Theories and practices in a broad range of planning and resource issue areas, including environmental review, project review, and policy development.
• Site design and planning for development projects with an understanding of the City’s physical factors and the community needs to prepare planning recommendations.

Ability to:

• Read and understand site plans, architectural renderings, project proposals, and municipal ordinances and guidelines.
• Research and prepare reports regarding planning and community development issues and policies.
• Prepare technical planning proposals and environmental documents consistent with the General Plan, Local Coastal Program, ordinances, and department policies.
• Administer contracts and oversee work of professional planning consultants on significant policy projects and environmental documents.
• Independently present City policy and guidelines and represent the Planning Division in a variety of public forums.
• Work directly with policy and decision makers on major projects and long-range studies. Explain planning requirements and respond to questions and complaints regarding planning recommendations.
• Effectively represent the City in meetings with Design Review Boards and City Council
• Take initiative and demonstrate flexibility to coordinate and complete new projects as they arise.
• Learn and work with a variety of permitting software.
• Work effectively as part of a team and help mentor junior staff.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Four (4) to five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience. At least one (1) year of project management responsibility. Experience with a local government agency is highly desirable. California coastal planning experience is also desirable.

Education and/or Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban/regional planning, policy development, environmental studies, public administration, or a closely related field.

For additional details and to submit an application, please visit the City of Santa Barbara’s Government Jobs page by clicking “Apply for job” below. 

CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON MONDAY APRIL 13, 2026.